The Lake Charles Symphony’s “Rat Pack” summer pops concert set for July 15

The 60th annual summer pops concert features the Lake Charles Symphony performing songs made famous by members of the Rat Pack — Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr.

The show is set for 7 p.m. July 15 in the Lake Charles Civic Center coliseum. Doors will open at 6 p.m.

Shelly Appleby, the symphony’s executive director, said 64 orchestra members will team up with a trio, represented by Broadway Pops International, that sings the hits from the Rat Pack, including “That’s Amore,” “The Lady is a Tramp,” “Mr. Bojangles,” “My Way” and “New York, New York.”

Sal Viviano, who plays Sinatra in the performance, said the group has been doing the show for roughly 12 years. Each singer has also done plenty of shows on Broadway.

“We’ve taken the (Rat Pack) show to about 50 orchestras,” Viviano said. “There are lots of laughs. The dialogue is unusual for a pop symphony.”

The show, Viviano said, features original Rat Pack routines performed decades ago at the historic Sands Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.

“We sought to present those guys at the peak of their form,” he said. “Their act was rehearsed, but whatever happened, happened.”

Viviano said the Rat Pack provided a type of entertainment that doesn’t exist today.

“Those guys were one of a kind,” he said. “There’s a great sense of it being more than just a concert. There’s a style to it.”

Appleby said the mission of summer pops is to introduce the symphony to people who may have never heard them perform. The concert has been a Lake Charles tradition since 1958.

“People can listen to the symphony in a nontraditional setting,” she said. “It’s very casual.”

Riser seats are $30 for adults, $15 for students, and free for children 6 and under.

Reserve tables that can seat up to eight people are available. Gold VIP tables are $1,250; silver premium tables are $1,000; bronze reserved tables are $525; and individual reserved table seats are $75 each.

To purchase tickets, visit www.lcsymphony.com or the Civic Center box office or call 433-1611.

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